Media & Communications Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Translator Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median translator salary in Des Moines, IA is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$52,523
vs State Avg
+$1,713
vs National
$-4,567
Cost of Living
92%

Translator Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median translator salary of $52,523, which is $1,713 above the Iowa state average of $50,810. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for translators in Des Moines spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $92,920 at the 90th percentile — a $63,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Translator Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level translator earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $52,523
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $92,920

Translator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$54,236
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$50,239
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$49,097
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$47,956
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Translator in Des Moines

Education

Most translator positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, translator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Translator Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open translator positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Translator make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median translator salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $52,523 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $92,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,523, a translator in Des Moines earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for translator pay? ▼
Des Moines's median translator salary of $52,523 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $50,810. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a translator salary of $52,523 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Des Moines? ▼
Most translator positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.